In 2008, our work saw a paradigm shift in lab design to create a prototypical laboratory environment that met the evolving programmatic needs while also radically reducing energy use. The next generation laboratory takes an aggressive stance towards energy conservation. The “layered lab” concept with a high/low energy strategy, which places the most mechanically intensive spaces, into a zone adjacent to the open lab scape. The concept achieves a programmatic efficiency creating a compact and productive layout comprised of reconfigurable benches, coupled with lab support rooms.

Average Energy Reduction
(projects in design, 2015)

Percent of Projects Using Energy Model
(projects in design, 2015)

Percent of Projects with Daylight Model
(projects in design or completed, 2015)

Percent of Projects with 20% Reduction in Water
(projects in design or completed, 2015)

Projects Meeting 2030 Commitment Target
(projects in design, 2015)

Results

We are a performance-driven practice, employing a high degree of rigor and analysis to the design of our projects. While we were once almost exclusively dependent on intuition and anecdotal evidence in realizing the high-tech buildings in which we specialize, today’s tools and resources allow exciting new levels of discovery and precision. Because our buildings have a substantial footprint, we have always endeavored to optimize their energy performance. Our data-driven approach allows us to investigate building systems, materials, envelope and operational energy usage geared towards optimizing a building’s performance and minimizing its environmental impact.

One way we push ourselves to optimize the energy performance of the buildings we design is to rigorously track the metrics of each project. This dovetails with the tracking and reporting we do as signers of the 2030 Commitment. Our participation in the 2030 Commitment has not only helped drive down the energy intensity of our buildings, but also transformed our practice by building “energy literacy” that has permeated throughout the organization.

In the past several years we’ve reduced the average energy consumption of our laboratory buildings to 110 kBtu / SF, which is below the current 2030 Commitment target and a XX% reduction from the national average. We work with our clients to set aggressive energy targets on each project and make a habit of sharing strategies that work and have a big impact. Our process of tracking, reporting and discussing the data behind our projects serves as an important feedback loop that positively influences how we think.